501(c)(3) NON-PROFIT
More Than Martial Arts.
A 501(c)(3) Mission.
Located in Sterling, Virginia, Hard Work Martial Arts is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We believe that true martial arts training is a vehicle for community empowerment, forging resilience, character, and self-reliance in every student who steps on our mats.
We are proud to hold the Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by Candid. Earning the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid is the highest level of recognition a non-profit can get for financial and operational accountability.
The Hard Work Team
A curriculum is only as strong as the people teaching it. Coach Charles is supported by a dedicated staff of expert instructors, including Isabel, Maddie, and Ben. We maintain the absolute highest standards for our community: every single instructor is CPR, First Aid, and AED certified, and holds active credentials through the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
100% Safety Certified: CPR • First Aid • AED • U.S. Center for SafeSport Accredited
Director & Head Coach: Charles McDowell
Coach Charles brings over 35 years of martial arts mastery and a unique pedagogical approach to the academy. Holding a M.A. in Early Childhood Education and an A.A. in Business Administration, his curriculum bridges the gap between traditional discipline and modern exercise science.
- 7th Dan Black Belt, World Jidokwan Taekwondo Federation
- 6th Dan Black Belt, Kukkiwon
- Kukkiwon Certified Master Instructor
- Kukkiwon Certified Poom / Dan Examiner
- Kukkiwon Certified Self Defense Master
- NASM Certified Personal TrainerÂ
- Multi-Time Gold Medalist, 2025 World Taekwondo Hanmadang
- USAT & AAU Coach & Referee
- Close-Quarters Combat & Grappling Instructor.
- 3rd Duan Wei, Chinese Wushu Association. (Baguazhang & Praying Mantis Kung Fu)
Senior Instructor & Coach:
Sabrina Adleson
Coach Sabrina is a cornerstone of the Hard Work Martial Arts community. Balancing her role on the mats with a demanding professional career as a wildlife rehabilitation expert, she brings passion, technical precision, and unwavering support to our athletes. She is instrumental in guiding our elite competition team through high-level tournaments. Whether she is coaching from the chair or answering students' questions as our resident animal expert, she embodies our non-profit mission through her selfless dedication to youth development.
- 3rd Dan Black Belt, Kukkiwon
- Multi-Time Gold Medalist & National Athlete
- USAT & AAU Coach
Leadership Team Member 3
Bio coming soon. This section will highlight additional leadership experience and community impact.
Rooted in Tradition. Built for Today.
We are proud to carry forward the deep, traditional heritage of Jidokwan & Kukkiwon Taekwondo. Our academy is grounded in "Palsungdo" (the 8 manners of Jidokwan), ensuring that respect, perseverance, and indomitable spirit are woven into the fabric of every class.
We don't just teach kicks and punches; we teach students how to step outside their comfort zones and grow. This philosophy guides our training and community impact every single day.
Become part of our mission.
Discover what you are truly capable of in a supportive, expert-led environment.